Signal-switch apparatus



Jan. 21, 1930. BRODE 1,744,067

SIGNAL SWITCH APPARATUS Filed June 24, 1926 Patented Jan. 21, 1939 @NETLEQ STATES earner easier.

SIGNAL-SWITCH APPABATU$ Application filed June 24, 1926.

This invention relates to a signal apparatus and it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus of this kind adapted for use in connection with the speedometer of '5 an automobile to give an indication or warning when the speed of travel of the vehicle is excessive.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind with means where- ,10 by the same, when desired, may be rendered inoperative.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide signal of this kind electrically operated and which comprises two rela- 15 tively movable contact members, one or" said contact members being carried by a rotating member or drum comprised in a speedometer, such contact member being adjustaole with respect to said rotary member or drum '20 in order to be set in accordance with traffic regulations.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arran ement of the several parts of my improved signal apparatus whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use as will be hereinafter more fully set 30 forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is a sectional elevation, partly diagrammatic, of a signal apparatus constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is a detailed face view of the speedometer Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional View through the drum of the device;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a modification hereinafter specifically described.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawing, C denotes a casing of a speedometer in which is mounted and operated in a conventional manner the rotary member or drum M having its peripheral face provided with or- Serial No. 118,390.

the periphery of the rotary member or drum V w p 5 and inmates 1n an angularly disposed nsion 5 disposed toward the periphery of member or drum M and normally posi- :l in the path of travel of the contact member 6 carried by said member or drum M.

contact member 6 is adjustable circumferen lly of the rotary member or drum M so tlu t can be selectively arranged or positionea slightly beyond the indication 1 denoting the maximum legal speed whereby when the vehicle is traveling beyond said legal maximum of speed, the contact members 6 and 3 will engage and thus close the operating circuit for the signal S.

As herein disclosed, the signal S constitutes a hell or buzzer and one leg (4 of the ope ating circuit therefor leads from the contact member 3 while the second leg F) of such circuit is in electrical connection with the rotary drum or member M and preferably the axle therefor. A suitable source of E. M. F. is interposed in the leg 5, as indicated at 7.

The elongated contact member or finger 3 at a point in relatively close proximity to its connection with the casing C is offset, as at 8, to provide a hump or cam shoulder 9 with which is adapted to be engaged a slide member A. to depress and hold the contact member 3 out of the path of travel of the contact member 6 when it is desired to dispense with the warning.

This slide member A comprises a rod 10 or 'anged exteriorly of the casing C and slidably supported by the outstanding bearing 1 and provided at one end with a button 2 to a ilit'xte the requisite manipulation of The opposite end portion of the 10 is returned to provide an arm 14 havits free extremity slightly inturned at 15 for direct contact with the hump or cam shoulder 9. The connecting portion 15 between the arm 14 and the adjacent extremity of the rod 10 is disposed through a suitably positioned slot 16 provided within a wall of the casing C so that no hinderance or obstruction will be offered to the desired movement of the arm 1a which is arranged within the casing G.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 4, the contact member 3 is moved into inoperative position through v the medium of a lever 17 pivotally supported substantially midway its ends within the easing, as at 18. llhe inner end of this lever 17 is provided with a laterally disposed pin 19 with which engages the contact member 3 when the lever is moved in one direction. The opposite end portion of the lever 17 projects exteriorly of the casing through a slot 20, a marginal edge of such slot being provided with notches or teeth with which the lever is selectively engaged to hold the same against movement when in either its working or inoperative position.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a signal apparatus constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim i 1. The combination with a speedometer including a rotating drum, of a contact meinber mounted upon the periphery of the drum and extending outwardly therefrom, an elongated spring contact member mounted adj acent the drum and having the end portion normally disposed in the path of movement of the first named contact member, and a JULIEN LAFAYETTE BRODE.

movable member designed to be shifted to act 7 upon and flex the spring contact member for removing the spring contact member from the path of movement of the first named contact member.

2. The combination with a speedometer including a rotatable indicating drum, of a contact member mounted upon the periphery f the indicating drum and extending outwardly therefrom, an elongated spring contactmember mounted adjacent the drum and hav ng afree end portion normally disposed in the path of movement of the first named contact member, said spring contact member having a portion offset. to provide a cam shoulder, a reciprocable member mounted adjacent the spring contact, one portion of the reciprocable member being returned to pro- 

